Classical Gas is an independent web site and is not affiliated
to any of the clubs or organisers of the events featured. Words and Pictures
by Michael unless attributed otherwise. Michael is a proud member of the MCC,
ACTC, Dellow Register and Falcon amongst others, but does not represent their
views nor the views of any other organisers or clubs.

Michael's (July and August 2007)
Musings

It felt very strange not producing
the paper version of Classical Gas last month, but it had to be done
some time. Whether we like it or not the internet is the way we
communicate now. As its instantaneous it has made paper an obsolete way
to convey news. You can see this by the way all the leading papers have
web sites where you can read their news storeys the day before they
appear in the paper. I'm not sure how this can continue as I'm not sure
where their income comes from!

I still like some stuff on paper
though. The Saturday Telegraph, The Sunday Times, Restart and Triple,
but they are periodicals to look back and savour and discuss what went
on rather than conveying news.

On the motoring front it's been a nice summer of motor racing with Neil,
shows and social runs. The Edinburgh is looming so I need to get out in
the garage soon!

Michael's (June 2007)
Musings

Hello Falcons,

Just to let you know that I have decided to stop
producing the Classical Gas supplement to Falconry. The first one was in
March 1995 and I did a total of 146, only missing one when my divorce
proceedings were at their most traumatic. It was great fun (I don't mean
the divorce!) and I like to think Classical Gas helped in the Falcon
resurgence. However, everything has to come to an end. By the time you
read this I will be semi-retired. I get my winter fuel allowance, bus
pass and free prescriptions in a few months. Its time to reorganise my
life!

Some ten years ago I started the Classical Gas Internet
site. This has gone from strength to strength and will continue. Its
only the paper version that will stop. Today we have a super Falconry
magazine with some excellent stuff from David and the contributors. I
plan to submit the odd piece to David and I hope I can contribute to
Falcon in other ways.

Michael

Michael's (May 2007)
Musings

Michael pictured on a
grey day at Mallory Park. The two cars are under Neil's new awning. We
were to be grateful of that when the rain came down before lunch and
persisted for the rest of the day.

The days are getting longer, the trials season draws to
a close and the summer sports are well underway. I have started going to
the circuits to support Neil and its certainly been interesting so far,
with two cars to take care off. Championship wise we have to look to the
Fiesta as David Thomas, who is a sort of Dudley, is going to do a full
season and he is in Neil's class in Post Historic.

As well as competitions there are also the shows to go to. There were
quite a few Falcons at Stoneleigh for The Kit Car show. If you havenít
been put it in your diary for next year. Provided the weathers nice
there are lots of cars to see outside and lots of bits and pieces to buy
inside the halls.

There are also some social runs to go on, including Falconís ĒFish and
ChipĒ evening on the evening of Friday 6th July. Its my goal to do it in
the Dellow, lets hope I can get it ready. All being well I should be
officially semi-retired by then. More about that soon!

Michael's (April 2007)
Musings

Having got the Beetle rolling thoughts now turn to
getting my Dellow, Mk1 JRK 117, back on the road. Before it went into
hibernation for two years it was clear the handbrake needed sorting and
there is something loose at the back end as it makes a horrible noise
when you go over a bump.

As those of you who have seen the car will know itís a
bit of a heap and there are a few other things it needs. Like an Anglia
back axle, as the Escort one in the car makes the wheels stick out. It
wasnít that easy to get one but now I have accumulated several thanks to
eBay and Simon.

I have also managed to get hold of some other bits and
pieces through eBay so hopefully it will be all Dellow systems go soon!

I would liked to take it to the Dellow do at Shelsley
but I thinks thatís a bit optimistic so the target is Classics on the
Common.

Michael's (March 2007)
Musings

On top of the
world, well Edlesborough Hill anyway, Michael happy to be behind the wheel of
his Beetle again (picture by Dave Cook)

Wow, what a fantastic March Hare, was it brilliant or mega
brilliant? I know the weather before and during the trial was ideal and the
sections were in almost perfect condition. However, the real credit goes to
the organising team led by Arnold and their preparation and professionalism
Also to Mike and John for all their work building up the event since it
started in 1999. It was wonderful to see them both competing this year, what a
shame about JPís car.

It was a special event for me. The first time behind the wheel
since the Brickhill Trial in October 2004. Now to get the Dellow going, but
not before getting the Beetle ready for The Lands End.

Michael's (February 2007)
Musings

Although many reckoned The Exeter to be easier this year,
mainly because Simms was easier than usual, there werenít that many gold's
coming Falcons way. The real dramaís were reserved for Class 0 where a Marlin
ended up on its side down a bank and a Subaru Justy and Anne Whellocks A7 on
their roofs. Hairy stuff.

Two weeks later Mike Hayward and I went marshalling on The
Clee Hills. I have been up to Shropshire for The Clee every year since it was
restarted under the umbrella of the MAC. It is a superbly organised event. If
you have never done the Clee give it a go next year. You may even get some
snow!

As I write there are 29 entries for The March Hare on 11th
March. I need to get my finger out and get the Beetle ready, but I need to rid
myself of the dreaded seasonal bug first.

Michael's (January 2007)
Musings

This months CG strays away from Falcon a bit, with pieces on
Dave Wallís interesting ďnewĒ Mk1 Dellow and a Sporting Trialís review from
Duncan Stephens. Both are enthusiastic younger triallers, come from trials
families and have competed in Falcon events recently.

Talking of Dellows, I have just got mine back although I will
ignore it for a while as I plan to return to the fray with the Beetle first.

Itís the March Hare on 11th March. Regulars readers will know
this is my favourite Falcon event. Itís not just good its mind blowing
brilliant! Arnold, David and team have put in an enormous amount of work in
preparation. Enter or marshal but donít miss it! There will be a new section on
Mike Youngís land near Chesham. Some of you may remember Mike driving a Racecorp
some years ago. He has not lost interest in trialling and was passengering for
Peter Mountain at Brickhill when he made Arnold an offer he couldnít refuse!

Classical Gas Message Board at MSN Groups

You can use this to post
messages, event details for your club, sales and wants, requests for marshals - whatever
you want. It's there for you to use. Take a trip and check it out. You can just drop
in and look around but he real plus is you can easily post messages and pictures yourself.
To do this you will need a Microsoft "Passport". Just follow the links in the
Web Community to get one, it's straightforward if a bit tedious.

CLASSICAL GAS EDITORIAL POLICY

The Classical Gas and Classical Gas Archive Sites are operated by me, Michael Leete. I
am an enthusiastic Beetle owner, member of Falcon Motor Club and Clubman Classic Trial,
PCT and Autotest driver. The sites reflect my personal interests. The content may or may
not be approved of by the establishment!

Contributions are welcome and so far I have published everything I have received! The
stuff I write myself is intended to entertain Falcon members and Classical Gas readers, so
in the main it's them that I concentrate on.

This means my material may have limited appeal elsewhere. However, anyone is welcome
to publish the articles I have written and the pictures I have taken. However, these are
the conditions to keep me happy.

Articles to be published in full and not edited in any way. A header or
footer to be included saying "Originally published on the Classical Gas
Website at www.classictrials.co.uk

If articles or pictures are attributed to anyone else please ask them first or check
with me.